Olivier Philippaerts and H&M Armstrong van de Kapel best in Friday's feature class in Treffen

The first of five world ranking jumping competitions at the GLOCK HORSE PERFORMANCE CENTER was held Friday. Forty-three distinguished competitors, including twice winner of GLOCK’s Grand Prix John Whitaker (GBR), Olympic winners, double world and double European champion Jeroen Dubbeldam (NED) and world number four Daniel Deusser (GER), contested victory in the CSI5* GLOCK’s Perfection Tour, with prize money totalling 25,000 euros. But for all participants here it wasn’t just about places; rather it was also about first qualification for the GLOCK’s CSI5* Grand Prix taking place on Sunday, with prize money amounting to 400,000 euros.

After two demanding rounds over 1.50 m, ultimately it wasn’t the old masters but rather riders from the ambitious, younger generation who came out on top. Twenty-two-year-old Olivier Philippaerts (BEL) performed brilliantly in the saddle of his ten-year-old KWPN stallion H&M Armstrong van de Kapel (Quasimodo Z x Farn), his two clear rounds securing his victory with a time of 40.59 seconds. “When I arrived yesterday, I though Wow, it’s beautiful here,” said the twice Junior European Champion and youngest winner of the CSIO5* Grand Prix at Spruce Meadows who took part in the World Equestrian Games in Caen (FRA) last year with the Belgian team. “For me it’s been one of the best events in which I’ve had the privilege to participate and my horse seems to be in good form. I’m looking forward to the rest of the weekend.”

Next in hot pursuit was recently crowned European Champion with the Dutch team, Jur Vrieling (NED), riding his stallion Arezzo VDL (Chin Chin x Heartbreaker) who ended in a close second place at 40.91, whilst fellow team-member Maikel van der Vleuten and VDL Groep Arera C (Indoctro x Voltaire), took third place in 41.76 seconds.